Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are the most common pathologies of the thyroid gland. According to statistics, women over 30 years of age are more likely to suffer from these conditions. In the early stages, the disease can be successfully treated, while late diagnosis can lead to serious complications. It is important to be able to distinguish between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Features of the course are characterized by a vivid clinical picture, knowing which you can identify the disease in time and maintain your he alth.
Anatomy
The thyroid gland is located at the level of the thyroid cartilage on the front of the neck. The trachea, larynx, carotid arteries and nerves are closely adjacent to it. The thyroid gland consists of the left and right lobes, which can extend up to the 6th cartilage of the trachea. There is also an isthmus that connects the shares. It is located at the level of the 3rd cartilage of the trachea. Blood supply is carried out through the upper and lower thyroid arteries. Penetrating into the stroma of the organ, they are divided into numerous branches, nourishing each cell. On its back surface there are another glands, parathyroid. That is why, during removal operations, they are extremely careful to separate them. After all, the removal of such stationsparathyroid hormone can lead to the death of a person.
What is the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism? Comparison of the location of the thyroid gland in these conditions is useless - both in the first and in the second case, it will be increased.
Thyroid function
The main workhorse and structural unit of the thyroid gland is the thyrocyte. It is this cell that captures negatively charged iodine ions from the blood and, with the help of a special enzyme, forms a protein - thyroglobulin. And already he, in turn, is involved in the synthesis of two main hormones: triiodothyronine and thyroxine, which are subsequently released into the blood.
Targets for their action are absolutely all the cells of our body. Triiodothyronine and thyroxine are involved in the regulation of the body's metabolism, promote muscle development and protein building, and are responsible for the metabolism of vitamins A and B12.
In addition to thyrocytes, the thyroid gland contains two more types of cells. Some produce calcitonin, while the latter serve as a kind of reserve to replace lost workers who produce two main hormones. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, their symptoms depend not only on the amount of thyroxine and triiodothyronine in the blood, but also on the presence of specific receptors on tissues for them.
Feedback principle
In the human body there is the king of all endocrine glands - the pituitary gland. It is he who, with the help of his hormones, controls the work of the adrenal glands, ovaries, thyroid gland.
Butthe function of the pituitary gland is also controlled. The hypothalamus, with the help of its hormones liberins and statins, can inhibit or activate the secretion of the pituitary gland. The latter, in turn, secretes thyroid-stimulating hormone, which stimulates the thyroid gland.
In the case of a decrease in the content of thyroxine and triiodothyronine in the blood, a signal is sent to the pituitary gland and the synthesis of thyrotropin is activated. It increases the activity of the thyroid gland, and the level of hormones returns to its original norm. If the level of thyroxine and triiodothyronine rises in the blood, then the hypothalamus secretes statins, which inhibit the secretion of the pituitary gland. The thyroid-stimulating hormone is not secreted, and the thyroid gland stops secreting hormones. Thus, the level of thyroxine and triiodothyronine returns to the original.
Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism of the thyroid gland are conditions in which the resulting hormonal disruptions reverse the feedback principle against the human body.
Hyperthyroidism: definition, forms and first symptoms
Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. The differences between these syndromes will help to quickly diagnose the pathology. Consideration should first be given to the excessive functions of thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Hyperthyroidism is a condition of the body associated with an excess of thyroid hormones. This disease can be primary in the pathology of the thyroid gland itself, secondary - in violation of the pituitary gland - and tertiary - in case of failure of the hypothalamus.
There are three forms of hyperthyroidism: asymptomatic, manifest, complicated. First formcharacterized by blurred manifestations of the disease, and the diagnosis can only be made by laboratory and instrumental studies. The manifest form is distinguished by bright clinical symptoms. Hyperthyroidism is considered complicated when pathological disorders from other organs and systems are attached. For example: the occurrence of arrhythmia, the appearance of edema.
The first symptom to look out for is a dramatic weight loss. Patients also have rare blinking, increased heart rate, bulging eyes, sweating, constant thirst, and episodes of overeating. Insomnia and irritability become constant companions. Women experience menstrual irregularities.
Hypothyroidism: first symptoms
Hypothyroidism is a condition of the body associated with a lack of thyroid hormones. This disease can also be primary, secondary and tertiary. According to clinical symptoms, it is also divided into subclinical, manifest and complicated forms. Patients noted a decrease in mood, fatigue, drowsiness, weight gain. Dry skin, brittle hair, constipation, slow heartbeat, low blood pressure - all this should lead to the idea of hypothyroidism and become a reason for an early visit to the doctor. What is the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism?
Differences
Clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, their symptoms are polar opposites. It is not difficult to distinguish them in diagnosis, with the exception ofsubclinical forms, which can be identified only with the help of laboratory texts. For diagnosis, the determination of the level of free thyroxine, triiodothyronine and thyroid-stimulating hormone is used.
Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism: symptoms table
| Sign | Hypothyroidism | Hyperthyroidism |
| Body weight | Increasing | Declining |
| Skin and hair | Dry skin, brittle hair | Wet skin, sweating, greasy hair |
| Emotional sphere | Apathy and depression | Excitability, hyperactivity |
| Nervous system | Reduce all reflexes | Increase all reflexes |
| Cardiovascular system | Slow heart rate, low blood pressure | Increased heart rate, increased blood pressure |
| Digestive system | Constipation | Diarrhea, vomiting |
Hyperthyroidism treatment
Therapy of thyrotoxicosis is a complex and multicomponent process that requires a scrupulous approach and careful control. Let's analyze its basic principles. In patients with hyperthyroidism, energy metabolism is increased, which means thatthey consume proteins, fats and carbohydrates in an increased amount, which leads to weight loss. That is why it is necessary to adjust the diet. The first task will be to increase the total caloric content of the daily diet. You need to maintain it at the level of 3500 kilocalories. More dairy products, fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meats. Coffee, spices, strong tea, mushrooms and high-fat foods should be excluded from the diet. Drug treatment of hyperthyroidism depends on the age of the patient and the presence of concomitant diseases or complications. Antithyroid drugs act on thyroid cells and block the synthesis of thyroxine and triiodothyronine.
The effectiveness of such therapy is quite high and amounts to 50%. It is necessary to take drugs for about 8 weeks until the signs of hyperthyroidism completely disappear. This therapy is suitable for patients younger than 50 years of age with no comorbidities. Radioactive iodine treatment is used in patients older than 50 years of age with advanced disease and nodular degeneration of the thyroid gland.
This therapy leads to the destruction of thyrocytes, and the symptoms disappear. Treatment with radioactive iodine is strictly contraindicated for pregnant, lactating and patients under 20 years of age. If drug therapy does not work, then they resort to surgical treatment, which consists in the radical removal of the thyroid gland. This method is also used for unspecified process or suspected cancer.
Prevention of hyperthyroidism
Consideringnumerous reasons for the development of this condition, it is difficult to prevent this disease. But if you follow the general principles, you can reduce the likelihood of hyperthyroidism or detect it at the earliest stages. It is recommended to undergo an ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland once every six months and donate blood for hormones. It will also be useful to control your emotional background, add more fruits and vegetables to your diet.
Hypothyroidism treatment
Medicinal therapy and diet are designed to eliminate hypothyroidism. Eat easily digestible and low-calorie foods. Indeed, with hypothyroidism, metabolic reactions are disturbed and oxidative processes in tissues suffer. Seafood must be present in the diet. After all, they are rich in iodine. Raw vegetables and fresh herbs are also welcome. The high fiber content will help improve bowel function. It is also recommended to use natural coffee. It contains magnesium and B vitamins.
With drug therapy for hypothyroidism, patients are waiting for life-long use of replacement therapy drugs. In the treatment drugs L-thyroxine and triiodothyronine are used. These are analogues of natural human thyroid hormones. It must be remembered that these drugs do not cure hypothyroidism, they only make up for the deficiency of iodine in the body. With the abolition of drugs, the symptoms of hypothyroidism will definitely return. Treatment begins with minimal doses. In people over 50 years of age, the dosage is reduced by half from the starting dose with conventional treatment.
Prevention of hypothyroidism
Regions with a low content of iodine in water have been recorded in Russia. It is in these areas that the so-called endemic goiter is common. By following simple nutritional principles, you can protect yourself from endemic hypothyroidism. It is important to include iodine-rich foods in your diet. These include: fish oil, seaweed, kefir, cranberries, cod, white bread, bananas.
Transition from one state to another
Can hypothyroidism turn into hyperthyroidism? In medical practice, many cases of such a situation have been described. This is possible in violation of drug therapy in the treatment of hypothyroidism. Exceeding the dosage of thyroid hormone analogs can provoke drug-induced hyperthyroidism. If hypothyroidism has turned into hyperthyroidism, this is a huge shock to the body. This can lead to a violation in the activity of the cardiovascular, digestive and nervous systems. Clinically, drug-induced hyperthyroidism is no different from the same condition in the pathology of the thyroid gland itself or the pituitary gland. Therefore, in order to avoid diagnostic errors and harm to body systems, it is necessary to strictly observe the therapeutic dosages of replacement therapy in the treatment of hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism turned into hypothyroidism
This situation can occur when the dosages of drugs in the treatment of hyperthyroidism are violated. This is a very rare complication that occurs when left unchecked.treatment. Above this case, you need to know exactly the symptoms. A sharp weight gain, loss of appetite, depression and a decrease in blood pressure should alert both the patient and his attending physician. In the case when hyperthyroidism has turned into hypothyroidism, it is necessary to urgently adjust the drug treatment.
